Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Beginner's Questions => Topic started by: Brad Proctor on February 13, 2008, 08:03:54 pm

Title: Polarizer as ND
Post by: Brad Proctor on February 13, 2008, 08:03:54 pm

Hope this isn't too stupid of a question...

Is there any reason that a polarizer should not be used in place of a neutral density filter? Of course, the polarizer will have an effect on skies and reflections.  But I suppose I am asking, if you're shooting a scene where a polarizer doesn't have any effect, is there any reason not to be lazy and leave it on the camera (assuming you used it previously) rather than replace it with a ND filter?

Title: Polarizer as ND
Post by: DarkPenguin on February 13, 2008, 08:32:23 pm

So far as I know it is fine.  At least I haven't noticed any issues.

Title: Polarizer as ND
Post by: Bart Heirweg on March 27, 2008, 05:05:22 am

A polariser also warms up the colors a little bit, so there might be a little difference. I use it all the time when I need low shutter speeds and adding a ND filter is not enough.

Title: Polarizer as ND
Post by: Keith S on March 28, 2008, 01:05:32 am

Quote

A polariser also warms up the colors a little bit, so there might be a little difference. I use it all the time when I need low shutter speeds and adding a ND filter is not enough.
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I agree with Bart

If you "dial in" the polarizer 90 degrees to the sun and then shoot into the sun it does not just act as a ND as Bart says. I do it all the time.....lazy buggar I am

Keith